Intense gusts reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced agencies to halt over 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions such as these major districts.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes mainly in the South Island, though officials state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been cancelled because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
